The authors present a case of a liver rupture after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) relaps, following left-sided hepatectomy. The rupture resulted from major termoablation within the hepatic venous region, followed by the liver edema, to which incomplete hepatic venous outflow thrombosis, diagnosed prior to the procedure, contributed. Due to the extensive progressive subcupsular hematoma and hemoperitoneum, surgical revision with the liver tamponade was performed. The female patient recovered with no complications. However, 4 months after the RFA, the HCC became generalized. The authors discuss serious complications of the RFA, which have a frequency rate of 3% or less in major study groups, and of which the intraabdominal bleeding has the highest rate.

        Key words: hepatocelular carcinoma – radiofrequency ablation – liver rupture